Shark attack victim Sam Kellett would not want any cull says his Adelaide family, after weekend tragedy off Edithburgh

The family of an Adelaide shark attack victim say he would not have wanted the shark, or any other, culled.

Sam Kellett, 28, a second-year English teacher at Glenunga International High School, was taken while spear fishing near Edithburgh on Saturday.

His parents David and Ann say their son had a great love of the ocean and respect for sharks.

"He knew he was a a visitor in their backyard and the last thing he would want is for this shark, or any other, to be hunted down and culled," they said in a statement released via South Australian police.

Students and staff at Glenunga are mourning their loss and have set up a memorial near the school entrance, with floral tributes and their teacher's picture.

Principal Wendy Johnson says students were told of his death when they arrived in their classrooms at the start of the school day.

"He was a wonderful young man, he had a great sense of humour, great sense of mischief and was very passionate about his students and about their learning," she said.

"Obviously his office space, his desk was a very sad reminder this morning."

Statement from the Kellett family

Our darling son and brother Sam Kellett was the diver tragically killed on Saturday 8th February.We thank all who have done so much for us over the past few torturous days. Officers from SAPOL (SA Police), Emergency services, DECD (Education) staff, colleagues, friends and family have supported us with great compassion and understanding.Many thanks also to the media for upholding our wishes for Sam's name not be released until his much-loved students could be told and supported at Glenunga International High School.We hold on to the fact that Sam was in the best stage of his life - he loved his teaching, his partner, family and friends, his diving, rock climbing and newly discovered snowboarding.As a close-knit family, nothing was left unsaid. Sam knew daily how much we loved him and he told us daily how much he loved us. Our hearts are breaking.Despite the manner in which Sam was killed, he had a great love of the ocean environment and had respect for sharks. He knew he was a a visitor in their backyard and the last thing he would want is for this shark, or any other, to be hunted down and culled.A memorial service is being planned for family, friends and colleagues. We would appreciate privacy while all who loved and admired Sam are grieving his loss.Ann and David Kellett and family

A search failed to find Mr Kellett's body or the shark involved in the attack, but divers found his spear gun.

Mr Kellett had been spear fishing with friends off Goldsmith Beach when he was attacked.

He had planned to compete in a spear fishing competition at Edithburgh on Sunday.

The Kellett family says a memorial service is being planned to remember Sam Kellett's life.